At CUBE Studio, we’ve seen firsthand how virtual production opens up incredible creative freedom for agencies, brands, and filmmakers, but it also introduces new ways of working behind the scenes.

Delivering projects like the Stormzy x Dyson campaign on tight timelines has taught us where virtual production shines and where things can go wrong if teams aren’t prepared.

If you’re planning your first VP shoot or scaling up your use of LED volume stages, here are the five most common mistakes to watch for and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Treating Virtual Production Like a Green Screen Shoot

Why it happens:
Some teams assume shooting with LED volumes is the same as traditional green screen - fix everything later in post, right?

The risk:
You miss the live advantage! VP is about capturing final pixel imagery in-camera, which means more work happens before the shoot, not after.

How to avoid it:
Think of virtual production as live action + final background — plan your environments, lighting, and camera movement early. It’ll save you huge amounts of post time later.

Mistake 2: Waiting Too Late to Involve the VP Team

Why it happens:
Some agencies brief the studio once scripts and boards are locked, without consulting on how environments can be best designed for LED volumes.

The risk:
You may lock yourself into expensive or complex setups that could have been streamlined with earlier input.

How to avoid it:
Involve your virtual production supervisor at the treatment stage or script stage. We can suggest creative solutions that align with both your vision and your budget.

Mistake 3: Underestimating the Importance of Lighting

Why it happens:
Teams sometimes think LED walls will handle all lighting, forgetting you still need proper foreground lighting to match the virtual environment.

The risk:
Talent can look flat or disconnected from the background.

How to avoid it:
Work with a DOP and gaffer experienced in VP. At CUBE Studio, we tailor lighting setups carefully to blend physical and virtual worlds perfectly.

Mistake 4: Overcomplicating the Environment

Why it happens:
When anything is possible digitally, teams sometimes overdesign with environments that are so complex they become difficult (and expensive) to render in real time.

The risk:
Reduced flexibility on set or lower visual fidelity.

How to avoid it:
Focus environments around the story and the camera angles you'll actually use. Realism, depth, and movement matter more than complexity. We consult per scene what make sense to streamline your production.

Mistake 5: Forgetting About Talent Performance

Why it happens:
Production focuses so much on tech that they forget what matters most: getting great performances from the talent.

The risk:
Scenes look visually stunning but lack emotional connection or authenticity.

How to avoid it:
Design a production schedule that gives your talent time to settle, rehearse, and interact naturally with the environment. Virtual production is at its best when it serves the story, not just the spectacle.

Get It Right from Day One

Virtual production gives creative teams an incredible new toolset but success depends on planning, collaboration, and experience.

At CUBE Studio, we work closely with agencies, producers, and directors to make sure your creative vision translates beautifully onto the LED volume, with no surprises.

Ready to explore virtual production for your next campaign?
Contact us to set up a creative consultation.